“Black Panther Wakanda Forever” made its long-awaited world premiere Wednesday night in Hollywood, with director Ryan Coogler and the film’s star-studded cast paying tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman.
The Marvel sequel takes place following the death of Boseman’s King T’Challa, with the people of Wakanda — especially Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright), War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and M’Baku (Winston Duke) — grieving their loss and searching for a way for their kingdom to endure.
Ryan Coogler rocks a Chadwick Boseman chain at the #WakandaForever premiere
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) October 27, 2022
📷 @THR pic.twitter.com/9TpLjhcJKC
As T’Challa’s death plays a major role in the story of “Wakanda Forever,” Boseman’s absence during the evening’s premiere cast a shadow over the celebration.
Amid great speculation that Shuri will assume T’Challa’s mantle of the Black Panther in “Wakanda Forever,” Wright shared her feelings about creating a sequel without Boseman on the carpet.
“I’m bracing,” Wright told Variety. “I’ve seen some members of Chad’s team. When we lock eyes, we know how this feels. We have to take a step away. I see my aunt locking my eyes with me, she’s very proud. I have to take a step away…It’s emotional. We’re trying to hold it together.”
Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige shared his own thoughts on Boseman, expressing gratitude that they were able to work together, even if it was for all too brief a time.
“I got to have him in my life for the short time that I did,” Feige shared. “More importantly, he did it at such a young age, such a body of work, that it will last forever. Generation after generation after generation will get to feel his presence.”
Feige was also greeted by Coogler during his interview, offering some glowing praise for the filmmaker on his big night.
“He’s one of the best people I’ve ever met, one of the best filmmakers,” Feige said. “Maybe the best person I’ve ever met.”
“This is hyperbole! This is hyperbole right here,” Coogler laughed, before offering some kind words in return to Feige. “Incredible producer!”
Along with returning cast members, new entrants to the world of Wakanda include Michaela Coel as Aneka, a captain and combat instructor in the Dora Milaje, and Dominique Thorne, who makes her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut as Riri Williams a.k.a. Ironheart, as well as representatives for the kingdom of Talokan, led by Tenoch Huerta Mejía’s Namor, one of Marvel’s oldest characters.
In the comics, Namor has been both a friend and a foe; it seems Coogler and co-writer Joe Robert Cole have found a way to demonstrate both sides with this antagonist.
Like Marvel Cinematic Universe entries, much of the plot for “Wakanda Forever” has been shrouded in secrecy.
One major news item was revealed early Wednesday though, when Disney confirmed that Rihanna would sing an original song written for the film, titled “Lift Me Up.” The song marks Rihanna’s first new music in six years.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” hits theatres on Nov. 11.
Latest Stories
-
We may all resort to vote buying if electorates prioritise such over development – Asiedu Nketiah
6 mins -
NDF engages mineral extraction communities in advocacy and litigation resolution
11 mins -
Adabraka in community A/R unites to combat electoral violence
18 mins -
Forestry Commission cracks down on endangered bush meat trade
19 mins -
Global GDP could plunge by 24% by 2,100 without urgent climate action
20 mins -
High Court dismisses lecturer’s bid to block Deputy IGP’s appointment
28 mins -
MTN records 35.5% growth in profit to GH¢3.76bn in quarter 3, 2024
51 mins -
Deloitte to hold training on navigating customs and excise duty Obligations
54 mins -
Akufo-Addo, Bawumia should have prioritised National Peace Campaign launch – Mahama
54 mins -
AGI works to clamp down on substandard foreign mattresses penetrating Ghanaian markets
55 mins -
Immigration Service intercepts 54 gallons of fuel
58 mins -
Ace Medical Insurance makes its mark at Ghana Club 100 Awards
1 hour -
Dafeamekpor takes Speaker to High Court to affirm vacant seats ruling
1 hour -
Government is not funding GMX music streaming platform – Director of Marketing
1 hour -
Energy sector not advancing enough – ACEP
1 hour